Hurricane Help from Bolivia

The people of the United States respond generously when natural
disasters affect our neighbors around the world. When Hurricane Katrina
left thousands of North Americans homeless, a team of young missionaries
from South America wanted to help. Kim Riemland
reports.

Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in South America. South Reno
United Methodist Church in Nevada has done mission work here for years.

When Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, friends in Bolivia saw a
way to give back.

Margery Hall Marshall, South Reno United Methodist Church: “The youth
were really worried about the United States because of all their
friends. They didn’t really know where the hurricane hit and they didn’t
know where any of us were. They were all praying for the United States
and they wanted to come help.”

(Locator: Moss Point, Mississippi)

(Sound of saws and home repairs)

Leaving their homes for the first time, five young missionaries
traveled to Mississippi.

Secundino Ramiro Catari Apaza (through translator), Mission Team
Member from Bolivia: “When I saw the destruction, I first thought of the
people. All these things they had, their houses, their possessions and
all of the sudden there’s this hurricane and it takes everything away.
And I really felt and thought about what kind of pain they must have
been feeling.”

A team of 15 church members and Bolivian missionaries spent nearly
two weeks repairing homes in some of the most devastated areas.

Homeowner Elaine Jones is grateful for the helping hands and the kind
spirits of those who traveled so far to help.

Elaine Jones Patterson, Home Repaired by Volunteers:

“Oh, I think they’re a miracle. Cause you don’t get too many people
really helping, I think. Maybe this will open up a lot of younger
people’s heart up and let them know what life is really all about.”